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Thursday, November 15, 2012

Happy Thursday! So many fun things are and have been going on, that I thought I would pop in and share some of the goodness in one happy post!

First off, I had the amazing opportunity to contribute to the recent edition of House of Fifty! The incredibly beautiful issue was just released this week, and as always, it is jam packed with inspirational ideas and finds for the home, fashion and for our tummies!

It was such a fun experience photographing and sharing one of our most cherished Christmas traditions!

Just over three years ago, I was searching for three dimensional wall flowers via Google, and happened to find Young House Love instead {since they used the wall flowers in their own home}. When I clicked in and found a blog, I was instantly sucked in. Crazy how that happens right? I couldn't look away from the screen, and just kept on reading and reading. I had heard of friends and families blogging about their lives and kids before, but never did I know that there was a whole world of people blogging about their passions and hobbies!

Being a stay at home daycare mommy at the time, yet finding myself passionate about similar home improvement projects that Young House Love was sharing, I thought that starting up my own little blog would be a fun way for me to spend my mommy time and share some of the ideas our friends and family would ask us about when visiting.

Little did I know that a few months later, they would feature me on their blog! And that from there, my blog would continue to grow and grow and now is my daily life! So, there is a chance that if I never would have found them that late night, I never would have started this venture called IHeart...

Now, my guess is majority of you read their blog, and know of all of the exciting book happenings and their tour! So, when I found out they were visiting our area, I knew there would be no way of missing the opportunity to meet the sweet and kind folks that inspired me years ago {and still do on a daily basis!}.

My local blog buddy, Jackie from Teal & Lime {another must read}, my hubby and I grabbed lunch and snagged a spot in line super early to wait for the Youngsters to arrive!

We waited for a few hours, and I had the opportunity to meet a few of you super sweet and kind local readers as well, which was another major highlight of my day/week/month & year!

Once the doors finally opened, it was nice to get inside and warm up and snag a cute cookie far too charming to eat!

When the darling couple entered, they were just as kind, charming and energetic as they are on their blog! And Sherry is absolutely beautiful!

We got up to their table and they started signing away and I mentioned that they had featured both Jackie and myself as Reader Spaces... I was a little reserved about saying, "I'm Jen from IHeart Organizing" for fear they would be like, "IHeart what?" I didn't say it right away... but my hubby did on my behalf since he is my number one fan. And Sherry was all like, "No way! Your Jen from IHeart!? I know you, give me a hug!!". I died.

It was such a fun day and so great to come full circle after finding them three amazing years ago!

And last but not least, my buddies over at Michael's Craft Stores, invited me to participate in a creative Blogger Dream Tree Challenge!

Over the next couple of days I will be spending oodles of time finding fun and creative ways to use supplies found at Michael's, to make our holiday tree rock!

Of course, to get started I pulled some fun inspiration! Aren't all of these ornaments divine, colorful and dazzling?!

I actually didn't know about the YHL blog until a few months ago. They've done some awesome things. But I had frequented yours a lot more, so it just goes to show how well you've done! Your blog is amazing, and I would die to be featured... Shameless schmooze from the Manor :)

Oh Jen, I am glad you started this blog of yours. I thoroughly enjoy reading it. I love reading theirs as well. You both inspire me so much. It is so great that you were able to meet John and Sherry!!! :) I didn't know about YHL until probably about 5 or 6 mo. ago. It is amazing what you both have done to your homes!! Ever so slowly (very slowly, I might add) we are getting to ours. Thanks for the continual inspiration.

I went to their book signing in Chicago last weekend. I was standing in line trying to figure out how to make myself memorable...if I were you I would have milked the "Jen from Iheart" for all it's worth! I found your blog through pinterest and have been hooked ever since. When are you going to have a book signing so we can all come and meet you! Courtney

I saw that they were going to be in your area and was wondering if you'd go to the signing! I stayed up way too late reading their book and thinking about projects when it arrived in my mail :) I agree with what someone else said that if you wrote or book, or hey- had a tv show- sign me up as a fan!!

It would be my blogging dream come true to jump in that photo with y'all! YHL and Iheart are my top two read for sure, and both of y'all inspired ME to start my own little blog! That's so exciting that you got to meet them!

Also, can't wait to see what you come up with for your Christmas tree! I will be living vicariously through all you wonderful decor bloggers for the next couple years as my little tykes are too small to be trusted around a Christmas tree! lol

It's so great you started up a blog too Amy! Good thing you did, I stopped over quick to check it out and am already loving what I see! The Noel letters look incredible and I love your cranberry topiary!!

So fun to meet YHL...and a great story about them and your blog! that Michaels thing sounds so fun...can't wait to see what you create! I just picked up ornaments, paints and stickers to whip up a few new ones too!!!

I'm so glad you started this blog...The way you talk about Young House Love is exactly how I feel about you and your blog. I've been visiting daily for such a long time now and you've inspired me to start a blog of my own. I've still got lots to learn {especially in the photography department} but perhaps one day I'll be lucky enough to be one of your featured Reader Spaces. :) xoxo Heather

That is so great Heather! I hope you are loving the blogging process! Never be hard on yourself, there is so much to learn, and it always evolves over time. Feel free to pop over projects anytime, I would love to see them!

Aw, what a great story! I actually read your blog long before I even knew YHL existed. I totally know what you mean about dying when they knew who you were. I met an uber successful blogger with a huge readership recently and was certain she would have no idea who I was. I was completely flabbergasted when she came up to me and greeted me by name and knew who I was. I was almost speechless.

I also stumbled upon your blog before I started following young house love. Iheart has been my inspiration (corny i know) just like young house love was yours. Coming across your blog kinda changed my daily life. Did you ever imagine that women around the world look up to you the way you look up to Sherry? Ps..I talk about you to my wife like you are a long lost friend..."You will never guess what Jen did today" hehe. Thanks for all the inspiration lady.

I love hearing the story behind blogs and how you get the inspiration to start. Young House Love is an old favorite of mine, too, probably one of the first blogs i started reading. I think in fact, i found you through them. It must have been wonderful to meet them in person. I hope to do the same.

I was in line yesterday about 50 people behind you and SWORE that I saw you, but I was by myself for most of the time and didn't want to lose my place in line. Then, when you had already gotten your book signed, I saw you again and was hoping you would walk further back into the store, but you didn't! I am so glad I was right that it was you, but I wish I could've said hi! I didn't get a chance to go to the thrifting in the area earlier this year to meet you. Another time, I guess!

Jen, I had so much fun yesterday. Our picture turned out great...you would never know we had already been outside with frozen cheeks for two hours. It was well worth it to spend the day with you and Brian, and meeting John and Sherry was the icing on the top.

LOVE your Christmas tree inspiration. I cannot wait to see how it turns out!!

Thanks for sharing this! My wife actually turned me on to your blog a while ago and once I started reading I couldn't stop. It's because of you I found the courage to start my own blog (http://www.mrwriteaway.blogspot.com)... although it's not a decorating/organizing blog (who can top yours?) I still want you to know that you're such an inspiration and to keep up the good work.

Y'all both have such big name blogs I figured you would know the Young House Love folks...I see y'all as the celebritys of the blog world and figure y'all know all the other top blog people out there...humbling to know that you still get nervous when meeting other big name bloggers out there.

Like others have said already, you were my inspiration to start a blog and it's so neat to hear how you were inspired to start. Funny how life works out isn't it? I'm so glad you stumbled upon Young House Love 3 years ago and that I stumbled upon yours this spring :)

It am loving blogging Jen! I'm also really loving your responses to these comments and how humble you are. You are definitely one of the big bloggers but it's neat to see that you don't think of yourself that way and that you get giddy meeting the people you admire as much as any of us would meeting you. One of the things I've loved the most about the blogging community is how down-to-earth and real everyone is!

I've been a fan of your blog for awhile, but I had no idea you were from MN until I saw you were linked up from the YHL Minneapolis event! Wish I could have been there, it looked like so much fun. Love your blog!!

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